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“You guys take them,” Micah said. “Maddie and I will sit back here. She doesn’t realize I’ve already won our film debate, and I’m sure she has a few more impressive yet irrelevant bits of trivia to throw at me.” He winked ather.
Before anyone could argue, Micah ushered her into the two seats on the aisle of the very back row. It was an older theater, one without stadium seating, and the exit lay just behindthem.
“You’re terrible,” Maddie said as she sat down, though she was secretly thrilled to be alone withhim.
“What, why? I said it was impressive trivia.”
She glared. “Notthat.”
“Oh, separating you and Sam? You said it wasn’t adate.”
“It isn’t. But do you really think it’s fair to stick him with your bodyguard?”
“Hmm.” He considered a moment. “Nah, they’re fine.” He pressed his knee against hers. Was it on purpose? Maybe he had equally been turned on by thoughts of a secret relationship. Or maybe he had been waiting to get her alone. “They can get to know each other.”
She willed herself to stay strong, but leaned into his leg anyway. “Like we’re getting to know each other?”
He relaxed at her response. “I hope not—I mean, do you think Sam is…? I’m positive Fudge’s on our team, butSam…”
She laughed. God, he was charming. “Shut up. Sam is notgay.”
“You sound like you know from experience.”
“You sound jealous.”
“I don’t get jealous.” He took her hand. “I get what Iwant.”
Her hand in his felt warm and tingly, quite unlike when Sam had played the same move. He began stroking her slowly with his thumb and her skin burned under his touch. Nearby giggling drew her attention to the fans from the lobby seated across the aisle. She reluctantly pulled her hand away. “Stop it. I don’t need people thinking I’m hooking up withyou.”
“Why? Am I that repulsive?”
“No. You’re perfect.” Too perfect. “Besides, we’re just buds, remember?”
Micah stretched his arm around the back of her seat, leaned in and whispered in her ear. “Haven’t you heard of friends with benefits?” His mouth at her ear stirred her blood, arousing her instantly so that the lazy circles his fingers drew on her bare shoulder were almost too intense tobear.
She shifted in her chair, crossing her legs. “I’m beginning to think that’s the only kind of friends youhave.”
“That is simply not true. I have lots of friends I don’t sleepwith.”
“Female friends.”
“Still not true. Well, mostlynot.”
“You’re impossible.” Visions of women upon women lined up at his bedroom door filled her mind. Her stomach sank at the thought. How many women had he had? Hundreds? Thousands?
“No, I’m perfect. You said it yourself.” Still stroking her shoulder, Micah’s other hand moved to play with the edge of her skirthem.
All her senses heightened, she trembled. He was a lion and she was his prey, helpless under his gaze, his touch, even his artsy intellect reduced her to a puddle.
In utter defiance of her body’s arousal she said, “I’m not going to sleep with you.” At least her brain still worked.
He smirked. “Who said I wantedto?”
“You’ve been trying to get in my panties since yesterday.”
“No way. You’re totally reading me wrong. I’m just beingnice.”
“If that were true, you’d think you could keep your hands offme.”
